PERTH, Western Australia - Top North Beach rugby league player Keith Buck has died at the age of 63.

Keith, known as "Cookie," was a North Beach junior who played from Under 7s through to First Grade.

His father Merve and uncle Norm Buck were on the committee that founded the club in 1951. The North Beach club has become one of the most successful rugby league clubs in the state.

Keith Buck featured in grand finals from the juniors right through the top grades. Among his First grade premierships was the 1974 Grand Final when he played in the second row under Captain Coach Noel Williams against South Perth. The side finished equal fifth and went on to win the premiership, the second First grade pennant in the club's history. Keith's brother Steve played in the premiership winning side as well.